Safety system having a tank closure

ABSTRACT

A safety system, a tank closure and a method for a keyless access control of a tank closure. The safety system includes a tank closure of a motor vehicle, such that the tank closure can be brought into an unlocked state and into a locked state and being provided with a locking unit for locking a tank opening. The locking unit is able to be moved via a drive between a closed position, in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position, in which the tank opening is released, for filling the fuel tank.

The invention relates to a safety system having a tank closure of a motorcycle, and wherein the tank closure can be brought into an unlocked state and into a locked state and being provided with a locking unit for locking a tank opening, and said locking unit is able to be moved via a drive between a closed position, in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position, in which the tank opening is released, for filling the fuel tank. The invention further relates to a tank closure and a method for a keyless access control of a tank closure.

DE 20 2006 013 601 U1 discloses a tank closure for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having a closure element for locking the tank opening of a fuel tank. In this context, the closure element can be moved from a locked state, in which the tank opening is completely closed, into an open position, in which the tank is completely released, for the purpose of adding fuel. The movement of the closure element is actuated by an electric motor acting as a drive. The drive can be remotely operated by a circuit control element.

The object of the invention seeks to provide a better access control for opening the tank closure of a fuel tank.

This object is achieved with a safety system having the characteristics as set forth in Claim 1. Advantageous embodied examples of the safety system are outlined in the dependent sub-claims 2-5.

According to the invention it is provided that a controller be provided that is in data communication with the tank closure as well as a releasing element that can be activated for an authentication query by the controller, and wherein only with a positive authentication is it possible to bring the tank closure in the unlocked state in which the locking unit moves to the open position. This ensures that only the eligible person will be able the open the tank closure. The controller can, for example, be a component of an access or driver eligibility control system of a motor vehicle that executes the above referred to authentication query via an alarm signal and a check of the identification data signals. The operator only has to activate the releasing element in order to trigger the opening process for the tank closure. For example, it is conceivable that the releasing element is touch-activated or actuated manually by the user; i.e., the releasing element is moved or pressed as a switch, and whereby the authentication query is activated. Aside from better opening comfort, the access security to the tank closure is improved at the same time.

Advantageously, the safety system comprises an ID transmitter that the user carries along with him/her, and wherein the authentication query occurs between the ID transmitter and the controller. In a possible embodied example an alarm signal is forwarded to the ID transmitter after the releasing element has been activated, and wherein, advantageously, a check is also done inside the ID transmitter. The ID transmitter responds to the alarm signal in that it sends via a transmission device a response signal in the form of identification signals as a coded message to the motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, that are received, in particular, by the vehicle's receiving device and routed to the controller. If the transmitted identification data by the ID transmitter match the fixed identification data on the vehicle-side, a positive authentication has been made, which means the tank closure can be moved in the unlocked state. In another possible embodied example according to the invention the controller can also be integrated in the tank closure operating independently of an access and driver eligibility control system of a motor vehicle. In the following, reference will always be made to a motor vehicle that can only be a motorcycle.

An advantageous embodied example provides that the releasing element is integrated in the closure unit. In the alternative, the releasing element can also be disposed on the steering unit of the motor vehicle. In cases when the motor vehicle is a motorcycle, it is conceivable to provide positioning the releasing element directly on the handlebar of the motorcycle, specifically at the location from where the user can comfortably activate the releasing element which his/her thumb.

Furthermore, the object is achieved with a tank closure for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle having the characteristics as set forth in the independent claim 6. Advantageous embodied examples of a tank closure are specified in the dependent Claims 7 to 11.

It is advantageous for the closure unit to have a switch upon which the releasing element acts after it has been actuated manually. The releasing element can act, for example, as a protective door for a locking cylinder that is integrated in the tank closure. Advantageously, the releasing element can be moved between a resting position and an operating position. In its resting position, the releasing element protectively covers the locking cylinder. Activation of the releasing element can be achieved when the user moves, specifically pivots, the releasing element from its resting position into its operating position. A switch is actuated by the movement of the releasing element, which causes the switch to send a signal that initiates the authentication query. The switch can trigger, for example, a controller that starts this aforementioned authentication query. Following a positive authentication, the drive is triggered which, for example, moves a mechanical locking element in such a way that the tank closure is brought from the locked state to the unlocked state.

The tank closure can be configured in such a way that, following a positive authentication, the closure unit “jumps” into its open position actuated by the drive, and wherein the locking element has brought the tank closure into its unlocked state prior to this. The user can subsequently lift the closure unit further manually and/or open it further from its open position in order to reliably add fuel via a fuel feed line into fuel tank.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method as disclosed by the characteristics in Claim 12. Advantageous embodied examples are specified in the dependent Claims 13 to 17.

It is provided according to the invention that by a conscious activation of a releasing element, which is in data communication with a controller, an authentication query of the controller is activated; and only in the event of a positive authentication will a signal be transmitted to a drive that is disposed at the tank closure and that will then bring the tank closure from the locked state into the unlocked state. A conscious act by the user is needed to activate the releasing element. The activation of the releasing element can occur, for example, by approaching, touching or another active movement of the releasing element. If the authentication is negative, the tank closure will remain in its locked state. In the event of a positive authentication, the controller transmits a signal to the drive, and said drive then moves a locking unit that is disposed on the tank closure from the closed position into the opened position. From this opened position the user can manually open the locking unit further in order to open the tank opening completely for the filling action of the tank. In a possible variant of an embodiment, the drive returns to its starting position after the unlocking action of the tank closure so that another unlocking action is possible after the manual closure of the locking unit.

In an alternative embodiment it is possible for the authentication query to occur capacitively and/or inductively. Advantageously, the authentication query occurs between the ID transmitter carried along by the user and the controller. The motor vehicle and the ID transmitter are equipped with transmission and receiver devices for the capacitive or inductive transmission of the identification data signals. The ID transmitter can be located in the user's clothes or even inside a suitcase, etc. carried along by the user, without occurrence of any interference during the sending of the identification data signals for the authentication query.

Further advantages, characteristics and details are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description in which an embodied example according to the invention is specified in detail in reference to the drawings. In this context, the characteristics as mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential according to the invention either individually or in any combination. Shown are in:

FIG. 1 a possible embodied example of a safety system with a tank closure;

FIG. 2 a bottom view of the tank closure according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 the tank closure according to FIG. 1, and wherein the releasing element is in the operating position; and

FIG. 4 a possible embodied example of a method according to the invention of a keyless access control for a tank closure.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a safety system having a tank closure 10 of a fuel tank of a motorcycle (not shown). The tank closure 10 can be brought into an unlocked state 1, which is indicated in FIG. 1 by the perforated line, and into a locked state 2. The tank closure 10 comprises a locking unit 12 that is provided for locking the tank opening 11 of the fuel tank consisting in the present embodied example of, among other things, an outside closure 12 a and an inside closure 12 b.

The locking unit 12 can be moved by a drive 30 between a closed position 3, in which the tank opening 11 is completely closed, and an open position 4, in which the tank opening 11 is released so that the fuel tank can be filled. Furthermore, a controller 20 is disposed on the motorcycle that is in data communication with the tank closure 10. The controller 20 can be, for example, a component of an electronic control unit for an access and driver eligibility control system of a motorcycle.

A releasing element 5 is provided in the shown embodied example according to the invention that is disposed on the locking unit 12 with the ability to pivot around an axis 17. The releasing element 5 serves as a protective door for a locking cylinder 16 that is disposed in the locking unit 12. The releasing element 5 comprises on its side that is directed toward the locking unit 12 a ring-shaped sealing element 5 a that is configured in one piece therewith and that protects the locking cylinder 16 in the resting position of the releasing element 5, which is shown in FIG. 1, against environmental influences, such as dust, moisture, etc.

To ensure that only an eligible person has access to the fuel tank of the motorcycle, the safety system is configured in such a way that an authentication query by the controller 20 is activated by a movement of the releasing element 5 from its resting position 6 according to FIG. 1 in an operating position 7 according to FIG. 3. By this conscious act of activation, i.e. in the present embodied example the movement of the releasing element 5 around the axis 17, an authentication query is triggered between an ID transmitter 21, which the user carries with him or her, and the controller 20. In the shown embodied example, an alarm signal is first transmitted to the ID transmitter 21, with the latter sending identification signals back to the motor vehicle. These identification data signals are received by antennas (not shown here) and checked by the motor vehicle, specifically in order to determine as to what extent the transmitted identification data match the identification data that are stored inside the motor vehicle. If the authentication is positive, a signal is transmitted to a drive 30 that is disposed on the tank closure 10, which is shown in FIG. 2, and by which the tank closure 10 is reversibly brought from the locked state 2 into the unlocked state 1. Instead of a manual pivoting motion of the releasing element 5 according to the shown embodied example, it is naturally conceivable to provide a proximity sensor or a touch sensor that will activate the releasing element 5. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to provide the releasing element 5 as independent of the locking unit 12 on the steering column, in particular on the handlebar of a motorcycle.

As shown in FIG. 2, a mechanical locking element 15 is disposed on the locking unit 12 upon which the drive 30 acts. The locking element 15 herein is spring-loaded. In the event of a positive authentication the drive 30 is triggered, and wherein the drive 30 has an electric motor 31 that in turn brings a worm gear 32 in motion. The worm gear 32 drives a transfer element 35 that is rotably supported around an axis 36. The transfer element 35 comprises a pinion 33 that engages in the worm gear 32. Furthermore, the transfer element 35 is configured as having a lift curve 34 that acts correspondingly on the locking element 15. During the unlocking process 1 the electric motor 31 drives the transfer element 35 around its axis of rotation 36, and wherein the lift curve 34, after a certain rotational angle around the axis 36, pushes the nose 13 of the locking element 15 in the direction of the tank opening 11 (see arrow). When the locking element 15 has been moved correspondingly far into the locking unit 12, the locking unit 12 automatically lifts off from the tank opening 11 by its outside lid 12 and by its inside lid 12 b. In the present embodied example the locking unit 12 “jumps” from its tank opening 11 upward. The seals that are disposed on the locking unit 12 support the “jump-up action” by the locking unit 12 herein.

Should any interferences, signal disruptions, etc. occur and it is not possible to execute an authentication query, gaining emergency access by way of a mechanical key, which is disposed on the ID transmitter 21, is also possible. To this end, the releasing element 5 must be moved manually from its resting position 6 to an operating position. Following this step, it is possible to insert the emergency key in the locking cylinder 16, whereby a mechanical emergency release of the tank closure 10 can also be achieved. In this context, the locking cylinder 16 is in an effective connection with the locking element 15.

While the releasing element 5 is activated it acts upon a micro switch 14, as shown in FIG. 3, which in turn sends a correspondingly signal to the controller 20 in order to initiate the authentication query as described above. The micro switch 14 is disposed between the outside lid 12 a and the inside lid 12 b.

FIG. 4 shows an embodied example according to the invention for a keyless access control of a tank closure of a motorcycle. In the first process step 40, the releasing element is first activated. By the movement of the releasing element the micro switch is activated 41, and whereby the authentication query 42 is initiated. If the authentication is positive, a starting signal is transmitted to the electric motor 43. This causes the drive action upon transfer element, which is in an effective connection with the locking element. The lift curve of the transfer element herein moves the nose of the locking element so that the locking unit is brought from the locked state into the unlocked state 44.

In the unlocked state the outside lid and the inside lid jump out of the tank opening. Now the user can move the outside lid with the inside lid manually into a further opened position 45. It is now possible to fill 50 the fuel tank. Simultaneously, after the unlocking of the tank closure, the electric motor returns to its starting position 46, whereby a new unlocking process is possible.

The user can then—after filling the tank—move the locking unit into its locked position. The locking element snaps in place in a stop position, thereby achieving that the tank closure is locked when the locking unit is in the locked position. The process for keyless access control checks 47 as to what extent the locked position/the locked state has been achieved. If the unlocked state is achieved, a return message 48 is sent to the controller so that a reactivation 40 of the releasing element can occur. If the locked position has not yet been achieved, reactivation of the releasing element is blocked 49.

In the event of a negative authentication, the number of negative authentications over a defined time unit is evaluated utilizing a security query 51. If the number of negative evaluations over a defined time unit exceeds a threshold value, the possible activation of the releasing element is blocked 52 for a certain time unit.

LIST OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Unlocked state -   2 Locked state -   3 Closed position -   4 Open position -   5 Releasing element -   5 a Sealing element -   6 Resting position -   7 Operating position -   10 Tank closure -   11 Tank opening -   12 Locking unit -   12 a Outside lid -   12 b Inside lid -   13 Nose -   14 Switch -   15 Locking element -   16 Locking cylinder -   17 Axis -   20 Controller -   21 ID transmitter -   30 Drive -   31 Electric motor -   32 Worm gear -   33 Pinion -   34 Lift curve -   35 Transfer element -   36 Axis -   40 Activation of the releasing element -   41 Activation of the micro switch -   42 Authentication query -   43 Activation of the motor -   44 Unlocking process -   45 Manual opening of the lid -   46 Return-movement of the electric motor -   47 Checking the position of the locking unit -   48 Return message to the controller -   49 Blocking -   50 Filling the tank -   51 Safety query -   52 Blocking 

1.-17. (canceled)
 18. A safety system for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, said safety system comprising: a tank closure configured to be moved between an unlocked state and a locked state; a locking unit configured to permit opening and closing of an opening of the fuel tank; a drive configured to move the locking unit between a closed position in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the tank opening is released to permit filling of the fuel tank; a controller in data communication with the tank closure; and a releasing element configured for activation by the controller via an authentication query, wherein in the event of a positive authentication, the tank closure can be brought in the unlocked state in which the locking unit is moved into the open position.
 19. The safety system of claim 18, further comprising: an identification (ID) transmitter adapted to be carried by a user, wherein the authentication query occurs between the ID transmitter and the controller.
 20. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the releasing element is integrated into the locking unit.
 21. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the releasing element is disposed on a steering column of the motor vehicle.
 22. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured as one of a keyless-acting access and a driver eligibility control system.
 23. The safety system of claim 18, wherein the motor vehicle comprises a motorcycle.
 24. A tank closure for a motor vehicle, said tank closure comprising: a tank closure body configured for movement between an unlocked state and a locked state; a locking unit configured to permit closing of an opening of the fuel tank; a drive configured to move the locking unit between a closed position, in which the tank opening is completely closed, and an open position in which the tank opening is released to permit filling of the fuel tank; a releasing element disposed on the locking unit and configured for activation by an authentication query, wherein only in the event of a positive authentication, the fuel tank closure can be brought in the unlocked state in which the locking unit is moved into the open position.
 25. The tank closure of claim 24, wherein the locking unit has a switch upon which the releasing element is effective after having been manually activated.
 26. The tank closure of claim 25, further comprising: a mechanical locking element disposed on the locking unit upon which the drive is effective.
 27. The tank closure of claim 26, further comprising: a locking cylinder in connection with the mechanical locking element.
 28. The tank closure of claim 27, wherein a mechanical emergency unlocking action of the tank closure is permitted.
 29. The tank closure of claim 28, wherein the releasing element acts as a protective door for the locking cylinder and protectively shields the locking cylinder when the locking cylinder is in a resting position.
 30. The tank closure of claim 23, wherein the motor vehicle comprises a motorcycle.
 31. A method of controlling a tank closure of a motor vehicle fuel tank, the tank closure adapted for movement between an unlocked state and a locked state, said method comprising: providing a locking unit configured to permit opening and closing of an opening of the fuel tank, a controller in data communication with the tank closure, and a releasing element configured for activation by the controller; activating the releasing element to initiate an authentication query between a user and the controller; moving the locking element from a locked state to an unlocked state upon a positive authentication.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein after the tank closure is in an unlocked state, the tank closure is returned to a locked state.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the authentication query occurs between an identification (ID) transmitter carried by the user and the controller.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the authentication query occurs at least one of capacitively and inductively.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein activating the releasing element occurs via one of a proximity sensor and a touch sensor.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein the releasing element is integrated into the locking unit.
 37. The method of claim 31, wherein the releasing element is disposed on a steering column of the motor vehicle. 